Effect of Chelators and Substrates on Phytoremediation of Synthetic Leachate for Removal of Trace Elements

The present study deals with technique for improving phytoremediation of trace metals from synthetic leachate in the presence of recycled waste material (crushed brick and steel slag) as substrates. It is an economic and environment-friendly approach as compared to chelators. Chelators induce adverse effects on plant growth, which might affect the phytoextraction capability. This study was conducted to compare the removal of copper and zinc by Phragmites australis and Typha latifolia with chelators (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ∼2.5 mmol, citric acid ∼2.5 mmol) and substrates (slag ∼2 kg, crushed brick ∼2 kg) for 21 days. Translocation of copper in T. latifolia and P. australis increased with increase in its applied concentration and this increase was higher in presence of slag as compared to crushed brick. In treatment systems with chelators, translocation decreased with increase in copper concentration. Principal component analysis revealed correlation between the removal of copper and zinc with adsorption by substrates, which statistically proved that slag and crushed brick played a significant role in treating leachate. Phragmites australis and T. latifolia with substrates was found to be equivalent to that of chelators. Phytoremediation with crushed brick and steel slag is an environment friendly, cost effective and practical approach for developing countries.